Rwanda National Police

Forty Police officers from Rwanda National Police (RNP) and South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS), on Monday, started a basic Airport Security course at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru.

The course, the second of its kind, was organized as a requirement and condition by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for all officers working at the airports.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, Commissioner for Training and Development in RNP, while officially opening the course, said that aviation industry provides the only rapid worldwide transportation network, which makes it essential for global business and sensitive for security.

“It generates economic growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism; commercial aviation remains an attractive target for terrorists, active shooters… airports are vulnerable to various luggage filled with explosives and weaponized drones,” CP Niyonshuti said.

He added: “Terrorist groups or criminals may recruit airport employees to commit terror acts, to facilitate smuggling of drugs, weapons, and contraband; all these equally make addressing insider threats a priority. Aviation safety and security calls for our constant vigilance, and strategic anticipation at all levels, to stay ahead of the threat.”

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CP Niyonshuti noted that criminals are developing new concealment techniques and looking at non-conventional weapons to commit crimes, which calls for professionalism and further upgrading skills of security organs.

“Securing our airports requires continuous training of staff and a high level professionalism. It has come at right time when our countries are on the right track in the development of aviation industry.”

The training, he said, will provide added knowledge, technical know-how and capabilities for airport security.

During the three weeks, participants will cover civil aviation skills, overview of international civil aviation security, access control of people and vehicles, recognition of explosives and other restricted articles; search procedures; patrol and guarding airport, screening and searching passengers; luggage and protection of aircraft, among others.